Excelsior University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Excelsior University has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, communications, and academic leadership.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Excelsior University provides flexible, high-quality online degree programs across more than 30 disciplines, empowering working adults to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Leadership Roles at Excelsior University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nipur Shah
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Pontius
  • President - David Schejbal
  • Chief Information Officer - Frank Azuola
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Eduardo Boersner
  • Chief Communications Officer - Erin Coufal
  • Nipur Shah - Chief Executive Officer

    Nipur Shah, the Chief Executive Officer at Excelsior University, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the institution. This leadership role involves guiding the university's mission to provide innovative educational options for working adults, ensuring alignment with market demands and student needs. Shah oversees the development and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable, flexible, and high-quality online degree programs. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence across all departments. By championing new educational models, Nipur Shah drives the university's growth and reinforces its position as a leader in adult higher education. This executive ensures the institution remains responsive to the evolving landscape of learning and career development, ultimately empowering thousands of individuals to advance their lives through education.

    John Pontius - Chief Financial Officer

    John Pontius, the Chief Financial Officer at Excelsior University, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the institution. This leadership position involves managing budgets, financial planning, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the university's operations. Pontius oversees all financial activities, including revenue generation from affordable, flexible, high-quality online degree programs and expenditure management. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing financial resources to support the university's mission of serving working adults and active military personnel. By ensuring sound financial practices, John Pontius enables Excelsior University to maintain its commitment to accessible education across more than 30 disciplines. This executive's oversight is crucial for maintaining the integrity and affordability of the educational experience, allowing students to pursue career changes and promotions without undue financial burden.

    David Schejbal - President

    David Schejbal, the President at Excelsior University, provides high-level academic and administrative leadership, guiding the institution's strategic direction and operational excellence. This executive role focuses on advancing the university's commitment to offering innovative educational options tailored for working adults, ensuring the quality and accessibility of its extensive online degree programs. Schejbal oversees academic affairs, student services, and institutional development, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. The President's responsibilities include championing the university's mission to empower individuals through education, supporting career changes and promotions. By leading the academic community, David Schejbal ensures that Excelsior University continues to deliver flexible, high-quality education across more than 30 disciplines, meeting the diverse needs of its student population and reinforcing its standing in higher education.
    David Schejbal

    Frank Azuola - Chief Information Officer

    Frank Azuola, the Chief Information Officer at Excelsior University, architects and manages the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. This critical role ensures the seamless delivery of online education, supporting thousands of students balancing work, family, and military service with their academic pursuits. Azuola oversees the implementation of robust IT systems that enhance the learning experience and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding data security, driving technological innovation, and ensuring the scalability of platforms to meet growing demand. By leading the IT department, Frank Azuola enables the university to offer affordable, flexible, and high-quality online degree programs across more than 30 disciplines. This executive's focus on technological advancement directly supports the university's mission to provide accessible education and empower individuals to achieve their career goals.
    Frank Azuola

    Eduardo Boersner - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Eduardo Boersner, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Excelsior University, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the institution's technology operations and strategic initiatives. This role is integral to maintaining and enhancing the digital platforms that deliver flexible, high-quality online degree programs to working adults. Boersner assists in overseeing the IT infrastructure, ensuring its reliability and security to support thousands of students. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include contributing to the implementation of new technologies that improve the student learning experience and streamline administrative processes. By collaborating with the CIO, Eduardo Boersner helps drive technological innovation, ensuring Excelsior University remains at the forefront of accessible online education across its diverse disciplines. This executive's efforts are vital for the seamless execution of the university's mission.

    Erin Coufal - Chief Communications Officer

    Erin Coufal, the Chief Communications Officer at Excelsior University, leads the strategic development and execution of all internal and external communication efforts. This role is pivotal in articulating the university's mission to provide innovative educational options for working adults and promoting its affordable, flexible, high-quality online degree programs. Coufal oversees public relations, marketing communications, and brand management, ensuring a consistent and compelling message across all platforms. The Chief Communications Officer's responsibilities include enhancing the university's reputation and engagement with prospective students, alumni, and stakeholders. By crafting impactful narratives, Erin Coufal supports the university's goal of empowering individuals to achieve their academic and career aspirations. This executive's expertise is crucial for highlighting the value and accessibility of Excelsior University's offerings across more than 30 disciplines.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Excelsior University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Excelsior University?
    Excelsior University is led by Nipur Shah (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Pontius (Chief Financial Officer) and David Schejbal (President).
    Who is part of Excelsior University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Excelsior University includes leaders such as Nipur Shah (Chief Executive Officer), John Pontius (Chief Financial Officer), David Schejbal (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Excelsior University have?
    Excelsior University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Excelsior University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Excelsior University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief Information Officer.